Published Sep 01, 2026 | 2:59 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 01, 2026 | 2:59 PM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay.
Six complaints have been registered with the Madhya Pradesh Police over an alleged online fraud racket using the name of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay.
According to the police, the fraudsters posed as administrators of a charitable trust associated with Vijay and approached people online, promising financial assistance and loans to start small businesses.
They reportedly collected amounts ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹50,000 from victims under the pretext of registration, verification and processing fees.
However, after receiving the money, the fraudsters allegedly failed to provide either financial assistance or loans.
Rajesh Tantodiya, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Indore, said six complaints had been registered last month regarding fraud carried out using Vijay’s name. He said an investigation is underway and advised the public to remain cautious of such fraudulent schemes.
The fraud comes to light at a time when the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has been pushing the ‘Vijay for PM’ campaign on social media.
As South First columnist P John J Kennedy noted, Hindi-language social media influencers in several states have been posting videos praising Vijay and attributing achievements and decisions to him.
Some claims, such as Vijay ordering the execution of rapists and telling private hospitals not to collect bills if a patient dies, are false.
Videos from places such as Varanasi and Mumbai feature supposed street interviews asking whether Vijay should become Prime Minister. Some compare him favourably with Narendra Modi or Yogi Adityanath, India Today had found.
With these videos and claims in circulation, fraudsters appear to have found an opportunity to cash in by targeting unsuspecting people.
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(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose.)
